Localization of beta 1 integrins and their extracellular ligands in human lymphoid tissues

In this study, we describe the immunocytochemical distribution of the beta 1 integrins (alpha 1 to alpha 6) and their extracellular matrix ligands in human peripheral lymphoid tissues. The results show that within these tissues individual beta 1 integrins are differentially expressed by (sub)populations of stromal cells, including reticular cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and sinus lining cells. The extracellular matrix components studied, eg, collagen I, III, and VI, fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin, were predominantly associated with the stroma of the lymphoid tissues, and a unique distribution pattern was observed for each of them. Except for alpha 4 (and beta 1), low or no expression of the beta 1 integrins was found on lymphocytes, macrophages, interdigitating cells, and follicular dendritic cells. The results suggest that cell-matrix interactions play a major role in the maintenance of the complex spatial organization of the lymphoid tissue.